It was not the day for the Mumbai Indians (MI) on Monday, and the horror show seems to continue. Without a doubt, there is a strong bond between Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya, but it was never an alleged feud that came as a reason for their downfall the previous year. But this year, as MI has only secured one win in the Indian Premier League so far, MI's decision to use Rohit Sharma as an impact sub did not sit well with ex-batting coach Sanjay Bangar.
According to an HT report, Bangar believed that MI captain Hardik Pandya needed the guidance of an experienced leader, someone who had led the team to win five IPL titles and was a T20 World Cup-winning captain, during their match against Royal Challengers Bangalore on Monday at Wankhede Stadium.
However, Bangar found himself at odds with the former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu, who felt Hardik Pandya should be given some space, during a recent conversation which is now going viral on social media.
Rohit Sharma has been used as an impact sub twice during this season. First, during the match against Kolkata Knight Riders at home the previous week.
The former Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar, while speaking to ESPNCricinfo, said Rohit Sharma shouldn't be judged on his batting, as he brings a lot of experience on the field, which can be used during tough times.
On the other hand, the ex-batsman of Chennai Super Kings Ambati Rayudu strongly disagrees with Bangar and believes that Pandya should be left alone, as he is the skipper of the side and the captain of Mumbai Indians.
"I don't think Hardik needs input. A captain needs to be left alone. It is his team and his input, and you cannot have 10 people in his ears like last year. Rohit is India's captain, and nobody wants to be in his ear when he is captaining. You should follow the same approach with Hardik here," Rayudu said.
Moreover, he went on to mention that Rohit is not the captain anymore. "It's Hardik's team."
"Rohit is not the captain anymore. It is Hardik's team. Let's not get into that debate. Rohit is a great leader; all acknowledge that, but it is Hardik's team, and he will do whatever he sees fit. I don't think Hardik needs input. A captain needs to be left alone, he further said.
On Monday, MI won the toss and chose to bowl for Delhi. However, RCB came out on top, strengthening their head-to-head record with 15 wins out of 34 encounters so far. Unfortunately, the red team dominated the blue yesterday, but it will be interesting to watch how the Mumbai Indians play in their next match on April 13, 2025, against the Delhi Capitals.?